A study that polled Canadians suffering from asthma has revealed gaps in how the disease is controlled
Asthma is among the most prevalent chronic diseases in Canada, with 2.4 million Canadians afflicted by the disease as of 2014 and 70,000 emergency room visits caused by asthma attacks in 2015. It is estimated that the disease will cost Canadians $4 billion annually by 2030 – more than double its current cost.
In a new survey by the Canadian Lung Association, which polled Canadians who suffer from asthma, nine out of ten respondents admitted to having symptoms and experiencing situations that demonstrated their condition is not being well-managed.
"Canada is at a crossroads when it comes to understanding and managing lung health," said Debra Lynkowski, CEO of The Lung Association. "With over 300 Canadians diagnosed with asthma every day, the Lung Association commissioned this national survey to tell us what the state of asthma control is in Canada."
The survey found several shortfalls in how Canadians and physicians understand proper treatment and management of asthma, as per best practices defined by the Canadian Thoracic Society.
It found that among Canadians with asthma:
"There appears to be a clear disconnect between perception and reality when it comes to treating and managing asthma," said Dr. Paul O'Byrne, respirologist and dean and VP of McMaster Health Sciences. "We have great treatments, but perceptions about the lack of seriousness of asthma may be resulting in less than optimal management of the disease."
Related stories:
Toronto’s heat wave is detrimental to residents’ health
Sun Life rejects coverage for 9-year-old because of his ‘build’
In a new survey by the Canadian Lung Association, which polled Canadians who suffer from asthma, nine out of ten respondents admitted to having symptoms and experiencing situations that demonstrated their condition is not being well-managed.
"Canada is at a crossroads when it comes to understanding and managing lung health," said Debra Lynkowski, CEO of The Lung Association. "With over 300 Canadians diagnosed with asthma every day, the Lung Association commissioned this national survey to tell us what the state of asthma control is in Canada."
The survey found several shortfalls in how Canadians and physicians understand proper treatment and management of asthma, as per best practices defined by the Canadian Thoracic Society.
It found that among Canadians with asthma:
- 75% report having asthma flare ups
- 65% have difficulty exercising because of their asthma
- 32% experience asthma symptoms and require a relief inhaler four or more days per week
- Almost half (45%) regularly have a hard time breathing with day-to-day activities
- 41% do not exercise at all because of their asthma
"There appears to be a clear disconnect between perception and reality when it comes to treating and managing asthma," said Dr. Paul O'Byrne, respirologist and dean and VP of McMaster Health Sciences. "We have great treatments, but perceptions about the lack of seriousness of asthma may be resulting in less than optimal management of the disease."
Related stories:
Toronto’s heat wave is detrimental to residents’ health
Sun Life rejects coverage for 9-year-old because of his ‘build’
